How many of UK’s 29 UNESCO WHSs have you been to?

How many times have you obsessed with everything British – whether it’s rock music, Harry Potter, the Royal Family, tea, soccer, culture, or the not-so-lovely British sarcasm? But there’s more in the United Kingdom to obsess over. There are 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United Kingdom and overseas territories.

Call them scenic or surreal, these heritage sites are nothing less than a wonder. If you have traveled to the UK recently and have visited some or all the world heritage sites in UK and Northern Ireland, you can register for the GoUNESCO UK 2016 Challenge here.

We have listed some of the major World Heritage Sites in the UK. How many have you been to?

The Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast was one of the first sites in the UK to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. According to legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. Read about it here.

Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast Picture Courtesy: Klarras from Flickr
Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast Picture Courtesy: Klarras from Flickr

 

Westminster Bridge over the River Thames in London that connects Westminster on the north side which hosts The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey and Lambeth on the south side inspired a poet too many, including William Wordsworth. You can read the poem here.

The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey Picture Courtesy: Chris March

 

The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd in 1986 was also the first few sites in the UK to be inscribed on the World Heritage List.

The Caernarfon Castle is a part of The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh Picture Courtesy: Smabs Sputzer

 

This historic castle was used as a prison in the 16th and 17th centuries, when many figures including the Elizabeth I before she became queen, were held within its walls.

The Tower Of London Picture Courtesy: Ian from Flickr

 

Saltaire is a Victorian model village located in Shipley in 1851 by Sir Titus Salt, a industrialist in the Yorkshire woolen industry

Saltaire and the Salts Mill Picture Courtesy: James F Clay

 

Did you know, the Iron Bridge Gorge is a bridge that crosses the River Severn in Shropshire, England. Opened in 1781, and was the first arch bridge in the world to be made of cast iron,

Iron Bridge Gorge Picture Courtesy: Clive Richardson

 

This World heritage Site was recognized for being a masterpiece of human creative genius, and an outstanding example of a architectural marvel that showcases significant stages in human history.

Studley Royal Picture including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey   Ruins Picture Courtesy: larique from Flickr

 

 

According to researchers, the name Kilda has dutch influences and first appeared on a Dutch map dated 1666, and that it may have been derived from Norse sunt kelda (“sweet wellwater”) or from a Dutch assumption that the spring Tobar Childa was dedicated to a saint.

St Kilda, Scotland Picture Courtesy: Donna C Green

 

This World Heritage Site is sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK, and is considered an important botanical research and education institution.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew

 

The Durham Castle was built as the residence for the Bishop of Durham.  which is the fourth most significant seat in the Church of England hierarchy.

Durham Castle and Cathedral Picture Courtesy: Vik Walker

To participate in the GoUNESCO UK 2016 Challenge, register here.

Edit: All the information about the World heritage sites has been obtained from Wikipedia

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